Woburn School Committee reviews $96.8M budget with 6.58% proposed increase

Woburn Public Schools is moving forward with a proposed budget of $96.85 million for the fiscal year 2026, reflecting a 6.58% increase from the previous year. This budget, which amounts to approximately $5.9 million more than FY 25, was presented during a recent Woburn School Committee meeting on April 16, 2025.

The budget development process has been collaborative, involving discussions between school officials and city departments, including police, fire, and public works. Mayor Scott Galvin emphasized the importance of this teamwork, stating that the goal is to create a budget that meets the needs of all city departments while maintaining the quality of education in Woburn schools.

Key drivers of the budget increase include contractual salary obligations, which account for about 67% of the rise, and a significant increase in special education transportation costs. The budget also reflects a commitment to maintaining essential services, particularly in reading intervention programs, which have been highlighted as critical for elementary students.

During the meeting, it was noted that the budget process began months ago, with input gathered from school leaders to address the specific needs of each school. The administration has made efforts to reduce costs in areas such as general education transportation, achieving a 10% reduction through early bidding, and optimizing electricity usage, which has led to a $300,000 decrease in utility costs.

The committee is expected to vote on the proposed budget soon, which will then be submitted to city hall for further consideration. The collaborative approach taken this year aims to ensure that the final budget not only supports educational goals but also aligns with the city's overall financial strategy. As the budget discussions continue, school officials remain focused on maintaining the quality of education while navigating fiscal challenges.